Introduction

Some women find their menstrual cycle isn't always regular. Their periods may be early or late, and may vary in how long they last or how heavy they are each time.

Your normal menstrual cycle can be disturbed if you change your method of contraception or if you have an imbalance of the reproductive hormones oestrogen and progesterone.

Many factors can cause a hormone imbalance, from polycystic ovarian syndrome to extreme weight loss and excessive exercise.

 

Treating irregular periods

Irregular periods are common during puberty or just before the menopause. Treatment during these times is not usually necessary.

But if you're worried because your periods are particularly heavy, last a long time or are more frequent than monthly, or if you get bleeding or spotting between periods or after sex, see your GP.

You may need a different contraceptive or be investigated for an underlying health condition.

 

The average menstrual cycle

The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but can vary between 24 and 35 days.

After puberty, most women develop a regular menstrual cycle, with around the same length of time between periods.

Menstrual bleeding normally lasts between two and seven days, with the average being five days. 

More information on periods and period problems

 



periods, including an explanation of the menstrual cycle



heavy periods



absent periods



painful periods




 


Menstrual cycle: animation


 


This animation explains in detail how the menstrual cycle works.

Media last reviewed: 21/02/2015

Next review due: 21/02/2017


 

When should I see my GP?

Talk to your GP if you have any of the following changes in your periods:



you have very heavy periods, where you need to change your tampon or pad every hour or two, or you have to wear both a pad and a tampon



your periods last longer than seven days



there are fewer than three weeks between the start of one period and the next



you have bleeding or spotting between periods



you are bleeding after sex



 

Causes of irregular periods 

Your menstrual cycle can be disturbed if you change your method of contraception or you have an imbalance of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.

It is not unusual to have a hormone imbalance for a few years after puberty and before the menopause. This can cause your menstrual cycle to become longer or shorter. Your periods may also become lighter or heavier.

If your irregular periods are caused by these age-related factors, you will not usually need to see your GP.

 

Lifestyle

The following lifestyle factors can also upset your balance of hormones and cause irregular bleeding:



extreme weight loss or weight gain



excessive exercise



stress



Contraceptives

An intrauterine system (IUS) or contraceptive pill may cause spotting between periods.

An intrauterine device (IUD) doesn't cause irregular periods, but can cause heavy bleeding or painful bleeding.

Small bleeds, known as breakthrough bleeds, are common when the contraceptive pill is first used. They are usually lighter and shorter than normal periods, and usually stop within the first few months.

 

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) occurs when very small cysts (small, fluid-filled sacs) develop in the ovaries.

The usual symptoms of PCOS are irregular or light periods, or no periods at all. This is because, in women with PCOS, ovulation (the release of an egg) may not take place as often as normal. Also, the production of hormones may be unbalanced, and you could have higher levels of testosterone than normal (this is a male hormone that women normally have a small amount of).
 

Gynaecological problems

Irregular bleeding can also be due to unsuspected pregnancy, early miscarriage or problems with the womb or ovaries. Your GP may refer you to a gynaecologist (specialist in diseases of the female reproductive system) if further investigation and treatment are needed.

 

Thyroid disorders

A thyroid disorder is another possible but rare cause of irregular periods (the thyroid gland, found in the neck, produces hormones that maintain the body's metabolism). Your GP may test for a thyroid problem by taking a blood test to check levels of thyroid hormones in your blood.

 


Ruling out pregnancy

If you have irregular periods, your GP may recommend a pregnancy test and ultrasound scan to rule out a possible pregnancy, particularly if you are in pain (pain could mean you are having an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage).

Treating irregular periods 

Irregular periods are common during puberty or just before the menopause and in these cases treatment is usually not necessary.

 

When should I see my GP?

Talk to your doctor if you have any of the following changes in your periods:



you have very heavy periods, where you need to change your tampon or pad every hour or two, or you have to wear both a pad and a tampon



your periods last longer than seven days



there are fewer than three weeks between the start of one period and the next



you have bleeding or spotting between periods



you are bleeding after sex



Your GP will ask about your periods, lifestyle and medical history to find the underlying reason for your irregular cycle.

Any necessary treatment will depend on the reason for your irregular periods.

 

Changing your method of contraception

If you have recently been fitted with an intrauterine device (IUD) and are experiencing irregular bleeding that does not settle within a few months, discuss changing to another method of contraception with your GP or practice nurse.

If you have started taking a new contraceptive pill that is causing irregular bleeding, you may be advised to change to another type of pill.

 

Treating polycystic ovary syndrome

For overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the symptoms can be improved by losing weight, which will also help with irregular periods. By losing weight, your body does not need to produce as much insulin, which reduces testosterone levels and improves your chance of ovulation (releasing an egg each month).

Other treatments for PCOS include hormone treatment and diabetes medication. 

 

Treating thyroid disorders

Treatment for thyroid disorders aims to return the level of thyroid hormones in your blood to normal.

You may need to take medication to stop your thyroid gland producing too many, or too few hormones.

Your menstrual cycle should return to normal after treatment. If it does not, see your GP.

 

Counselling and stress management

Stress or sudden weight loss may be diagnosed as a cause of irregular periods. Relaxation techniques, stress management or counselling (talking to a therapist) may be recommended.

 

Trying for a baby


If you are having problems conceiving a baby due to an unpredictable menstrual cycle, treatment with synthetic hormones may help to achieve regular ovulation (monthly release of an egg). Discuss this with your GP.
Periods irregular